Garage base & building regs - Newbie requires info

[crawfy58]

Hi,
My first post so be gentle.

I propose to remove my old detached single garage and replace with a detached double size pre fabricated concrete type (Compton).

The size I want is over 30 m2 floor area and I have been told this will come under building regs.

I want to prepare and lay the base myself.

Before I start I want to know what the regs will stipulate, eg depth of slab, reinforced or not, DPC, will I have to catch the rainwater and build soakaway, etc.

The wiring side of things is not a problem because I've got a sparks who will install and certificate for me.

I tried to speak to the planning dept at my local council about this but they just said put application in (£200+) and the inspector will advise on site.

If it gets silly with the amount of extra work I might just get a garage under 30m2 but I dont want to pay them £200 odd quid to find that out.

Any advice on how the regs will affect me would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Iain

[TrevorL]

I am building a double garage/workshop and when I asked my local building regs dept, they said they are only interested if the INTERNAL floor area was 30m2 or more.

[crawfy58]

Mine is over 30 m2.

[lutonlagerlout]

are you sure it doesnt come under an exempt building??
check first it will save you a packet
also how does a concrete sectional garage come under building regs??
there are no bricks or blocks to insulate
speak to the man in charge of building control at your loacal planning office,this doesnt sound right
LLL

[crawfy58]

Even in the Comptons brochure it says if its over 30 m2 internal area then it comes under building regs.

I am assuming the main sectional garage wont be under scrutiny just other aspects eg base, wiring.

[lutonlagerlout]

i am sure that they are talking cak,there is no way a sectional garage can meet the U values required of buildings regs,planning is probably the main issue here,and as long as its not more than 4M high (unlikely) and is made of a fireproof material (which it is ) and is fully detached i cant see the problem
good luck
LLL

[crawfy58]

I totally agree with what your saying.

It doesnt make sense that something like a sectional garage can ever comply with regs.

Looking at the limited info I have seen about the regs it does not fall into any category that is exempt though.

I think I will get back onto the council department and see what they have to say again.

As for planning permission I am pretty sure it is not needed due to garden size, ridge height being within spec and the location of garage being at the rear of the garden.

I have submitted a householder enquiry form with dimensions etc to see if it is required though.

Hopefully they will outline any building regs that apply when they get back to me.

Cheers,

Iain

[lutonlagerlout]

TBH right or wrong i have built garages in brick at the back of gardens and never asked anyone,always a good idea to get the neighbours onboard before you start and tell them what you are doing,keeps them sweet
cheers LLL

[lutonlagerlout]

have a look here
mate if that makes any sense, i reckon you can go 50m2 as long as you are a good distance away from your house
cheers LLL

[crawfy58]

This is from the Comptons Garages website ..

Will I need Local Authority Approval for my base?
If the building is over 30 square metres in enclosed floor area, then you will need Building
Regulation Approval, and you will need to have the base design inspected and approved by
your local Building Control department.

[Tony McC]

The B.Regs apply only to the foundations and floor slab. My understanding is that the rest of the regs, particularly Part L, are disregarded because it isn't a dwelling.

[matt h]

Concur with Tony, Building regs apply to base, but you may also require planning permission... we even need planning permission for pergolas down here!